H5 look has been slowly changing over the last few runs of the GFS. It’s trending more towards a broad positively titled trough. I’m not smart enough to comment but I think thats probably contributing to the lack of consolidation?
LWX Winter Threat 7 is currently at "Yellow"/Slight for west of 95 and the mountains. I don't think outside the mountains last year had anything but Green.
I remember last winter he took long breaks and talked about needing the break to focus on other things — and honestly I thought he was getting sick of it. But maybe I’m mis-remembering.
Not saying this winter is going to be a blockbuster by any means but at least so far, its vastly different than last year in that we at least have workable looks.